Image of Uber Boda Influencer Markerter
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) introduced the Transport Network Companies (Companies, Owners, Drivers and Passengers) Regulations, 2022 to formally regulate ride-hailing services in Kenya.
These rules apply to digital platforms such as Uber, Bolt, Little Cab and other app-based transport services. The regulations cover the full ecosystem — transport network companies, vehicle owners, drivers, and passengers — and have fundamentally changed how ride-hailing operates in Kenya.
Why NTSA Introduced Ride-Hailing Regulations Before 2022, ride-hailing grew faster than regulation. NTSA introduced these rules to: Improve passenger safety Clarify responsibilities of platforms and drivers Protect vehicle owners and passengers Bring ride-hailing into the formal transport system The result is a structured framework where accountability no longer rests on drivers alone. Licensing Requirements for Ride-Hailing Companies Under the regulations, every transport network company must be licensed by NTSA and have a registered office in Kenya. To qualify, companies must submit: Vehicle lists in their fleet Revenue-sharing and pricing mechanisms Complaint-handling procedures Driver activation and deactivation processes Tax compliance documentation Licenses are issued annually and may be suspended or revoked for non-compliance Rules Affecting Ride-Hailing Vehicles Vehicles used for ride-hailing must: Have valid insurance and roadworthiness certificates Be not more than 16 years old from date of manufacture Be properly maintained at all times Carry approved identification or stickers These requirements increase demand for regular inspection, maintenance, and quality spare parts. Obligations for Ride-Hailing Drivers Drivers must: Hold a valid driving licence with the correct endorsement Possess a PSV badge Drive sober and free from drug impairment Use hands-free devices when communicating Treat passengers courteously and professionally Drivers are prohibited from excessive driving hours, unsafe conduct, or unauthorized vehicle use What Vehicle Owners and Fleet Operators Must Know For vehicle owners and fleets, the regulations are clear: Vehicles must remain compliant at all times Revenue-sharing agreements must be transparent Maintenance records must be kept Platforms must be informed of ownership and compliance status Fleet operators who ignore compliance risk vehicle deactivation and income loss. Passenger Rights and Platform Responsibilities Passengers are entitled to: Clear fare information before accepting a trip Receipts after every ride Data protection and privacy Fair, non-discriminatory service Platforms must also provide customer support systems and lost-item recovery processes. Penalties and Enforcement NTSA has authority to suspend or revoke licenses, deactivate vehicles or drivers, and impose fines. Operating outside these regulations exposes companies, drivers, and owners to legal and financial risk.